LANTERN LIGHTS UP ASCOT

Sky Lantern showed her QIPCO 1000 Guineas victory was no fluke at Royal Ascot this afternoon with a breathtaking display in the Coronation Stakes.

Richard Hannon's filly travelled strongly at the rear of the field in the early stages and, although she had to come wide round the final turn, the 9/2 joint-favourite flew away from her rivals under a confident ride from Richard Hughes to record a four-length victory.

"We've had a frustrating week but that's made everything seem worthwhile," said Richard Hannon junior, son of trainer Richard Hannon.

"It was very tough to see Toronado finish second behind Dawn Approach earlier in the week (in the St James's Palace Stakes) but we always knew she was a special filly and I'm glad she's been able to show it.

"We were in two minds whether to run her after she was drawn 16 of 16 as I didn't feel it would have been fair on her to have to do it the hard way. She's had everything against her today so to see her win like that means she must be a very special filly.

"There was talk after the (1000) Guineas that she had been lucky but we knew otherwise. We were quite tough on her as a two-year-old but she took it in her stride and after the Breeders' Cup (where Sky Lantern finished fourth in the Juvenile Filles' Turf), Richard (Hughes) said she would win the Guineas. I didn't believe him then but I think I do now!

"She's just a pleasure to deal with. She eats, sleeps and goes about her business with the minimum of fuss - she doesn't need any special treatment. Hughsie wanted to ride her like a good horse and she's so straightforward that we just let him.

"She's bigger and stronger than she's ever been and I think she'll keep on improving.

"Races like the Falmouth Stakes (a Group One race over a mile at Newmarket) have to come into consideration now but I'd like to step her up in trip. I think that a mile-and-quarter would be as far as she wants to go but Richard thinks she'll easily get a mile-and-a-half. If that's the case, then we would seriously think about the Arc (over a mile-and-a-half at Longchamp). She's definitely got the ability to cope with a race like that.

"You have to win races at Royal Ascot when you've got horses like this and I'm just relieved that she's been able to show it given the fact that everything was against her today."

Winning owner Ben Keswick echoed Hannon's sentiments.

"It's just the most amazing feeling and well done to the Hannons. I have lost my voice and it's incredible exciting. Well done to Richard Hughes - he just kept his cool - and well done to Sky Lantern and the Hannon yard. It is truly an amazing day and it's very special for us."

HUGHES TEES UP LANTERN WIN WITH ROUND OF GOLF

           

He may be Britain's champion jockey, but the demons of doubt were clearly niggling at the fringes of Richard Hughes' mind after a blank first three days at Royal Ascot.

With the responsibility of riding the QIPCO 1000 Guineas heroine Sky Lantern in the Coronation Stakes - but with the disadvantage of an unfavourable draw - Hughes needed to be relaxed, but razor sharp and free of equivocation. His solution - a game of golf with his jockey colleague Pat Dobbs this morning before heading to Royal Ascot.

Speaking after Sky Lantern had cruised from last to first for an easy win in this Group One contest for fillies - she scored by four lengths and a neck from Kenhope and Just The Judge - Hughes said: "What a relief, what a relief - everything's gone wrong. The job is to ride winners the way I always ride them, to get them into a rhythm and find the gaps, and if they come they come and if they don't they don't. They haven't been coming all week and it's been a nightmare.

"Richard [Hannon Jr] believed in me, and when I said, 'I want to drop this filly out and try to overcome the draw' and he said, 'Ride the way you always ride'. You have to keep belief in yourself, and if you don't there are plenty of fellas out there to knock you down.

"We had a chat in the parade ring about the terrible draw, and Junior said to me, 'Just go out and enjoy yourself and do what you always do'. That's huge to know I could ride my race, and know that if I came home flying late I wouldn't get anything back from the trainer. It gives you confidence to do what you're going to do.

"I went out this morning and played golf with Pat Dobbs in a bid to clear my head [Hughes won]. I needed that because things were just getting to me - 'Why aren't the gaps opening?'. I needed to get away for a couple of hours to freshen the mind up. I had to keep saying 'Believe in yourself'. I even had a few friends ringing me and consoling me.

"She's a brilliant filly who had no recognition after the Guineas. She was brilliant today, she will get further and is a brilliant filly to have anything to do with. I said at Christmas she would stay further and if you can get her to relax she comes home strongly.

                       

"She has made those fillies out there look slow, and they aren't."

PANTALL THRILLED WITH KENHOPE

Trainer Alex Pantall was full of praise for Kenhope after the 33/1 chance finished runner-up to Sky Lantern in the Group One Coronation Stakes.

"She ran very well and is extremely courageous," said Pantall. "The jockey was  not very happy on the bend turning for home but she finished very well and has a nice turn of foot. I have no plans for her at the moment.

"It is great for her owner (Guy Pariente), who is also the breeder and stands her sire."

Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Just The Judge is set to step up in trip after finishing third. "I'm very proud of her and she ran a good race. If anything today told us that she was ready for a step up in trip to a mile and a quarter and we'll look at the Nassau Stakes (at Glorious Goodwood)," said trainer Charlie Hills.

Just The Judge's jockey Jamie Spencer added: "There are no excuses - she ran a lovely race."

           

Maureen, a stablemate of Sky Lantern, finished fourth and Richard Hannon junior, assistant to his father, added: "She ran a super race and tried very hard - there is a big race in her one day."

3.45pm Coronation Stakes (British Champions Series) (Group 1)

£381,500 total prize fund. For 3yo fillies, 1m. Weights: 9st. Penalty value 1st £216,348.65 2nd £82,022.50 3rd £41,049.40 4th £20,448.40 5th £10,262.35 6th £5,150.25.

1. SKY LANTERN (IRE) (Ben Keswick) Richard Hannon 3-9-00 Richard Hughes [16] 9/2 Jt-Fav

2. KENHOPE (FR) (Guy Pariente) Henri-Alex Pantall FR 3-9-00 Thierry Jarnet [6] 33/1

3. JUST THE JUDGE (IRE) (Qatar Racing Limited) Charlie Hills 3-9-00 Jamie Spencer [17] 5/1

4. MAUREEN (IRE) (Ahmad Alkhallafi) Richard Hannon 3-9-00 Frankie Dettori [11]

5. MIZZAVA (IRE) (Gerard O'Leary) Mick Halford IRE 3-9-00 Shane Foley [15]

6. VIZTORIA (IRE) (Mrs K Lavery) Edward Lynam IRE 3-9-00 Johnny Murtagh [7]

7. BIG BREAK (Khalid Abdullah) Dermot Weld IRE 3-9-00 Pat Smullen [1] 9/2 Jt-Fav

8. PURR ALONG (Sheikh Joann bin Hamad Al Thani) William Muir 3-9-00 Martin Dwyer [9]

9. PAVLOSK (USA) (Khalid Abdullah) Sir Michael Stoute 3-9-00 Ryan Moore [12]

10. OLLIE OLGA (USA) (Nurlan Bizakov) Mick Channon 3-9-00 Martin Harley [13]

11. SIYENICA (FR) (HH Aga Khan) Alain de Royer-Dupre FR 3-9-00 Christophe Lemaire [4]

12. MASARAH (IRE) (Mohammed Al Nabouda) Clive Brittain 3-9-00 James Doyle [2]

13. AGENT ALLISON (Fitri Hay) Peter Chapple-Hyam 3-9-00 Jim Crowley [10]

14. LOVELY PASS (IRE) (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor p3-9-00 Mickael Barzalona [3]

15. REHN'S NEST (IRE) (Jackie Bolger) Jim Bolger IRE t3-9-00 Kevin Manning [14]

16. ROZ (Mary-Anne Parker) Harry Dunlop 3-9-00 Kieren Fallon [5]

17. SNOW QUEEN (IRE) (Diane Nagle & Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE p3-9-00 Joseph O'Brien [8]

17 ran  Time: 1m 39.75s Distances: 4, nk, 1½, ¾, hd, 1½, 1½, 1¼, 2¼, 5, 1¼, hd, 1¼, 13, 3¼, 40

Breeder: Tally-Ho Stud Breeding: 3yo gr or ro f Red Clubs (IRE) - Shawanni (Shareef Dancer (USA))

Tote Win £5.70 Place £2.30, £11.50, £1.80 Exacta £192.10

Winning Trainer: Name- Hannon, Richard Michael Date of birth: 30/5/45 Date of first licence:1970 Trains at Marlborough, Wiltshire Other details: Champion trainer in 1992 & 2010  First Winner: Ampney Prince, Newbury, April 17, 1970 First Group Winner: Crespinall (Nassau Stakes, 1972, Goodwood) British Classic wins: (3) 2000 Guineas (1973 Mon Fils, 1987 Don't Forget Me, 1990 Tirol) Other major wins: Irish 2,000 Guineas (1987 Don't Forget Me, 1990 Tirol, 2010 Canford Cliffs), Falmouth Stakes (1991 Only Yours, 1993 Niche, 1994 Lemon Souffle, 1995 Caramba), July Cup (1992 Mr Brooks), Lockinge Stakes (1993 Swing Low, 2010 Paco Boy, 2011 Canford Cliffs), Moyglare Stud Stakes (1993 Lemon Souffle), Nunthorpe Stakes (1992 Lyric Fantasy), Prix de l'Abbaye (1992 Mr Brooks), Prix du Cadran (1993 Assessor), Prix Royal-Oak (1992 Assessor), Prix Maurice de Gheest (2000 Bold Edge), Sussex Stakes (2003 Reel Buddy, 2010 Canford Cliffs), Cheveley Park Stakes (2006 Indian Ink), Gran Criterium (2007 Scintillo), Prix de la Foret (2008 Paco Boy), Prix Jean Prat (2010 Dick Turpin), Champagne Stakes (1986 Don't Forget Me, 2011 Trumpet Major, 2012 Toronado)  Royal Ascot wins: 33 First Royal Ascot winner: Fly Baby (June 17, 1981 - Queen Mary Stakes) Major Royal Ascot wins: St James's Palace Stakes (2010 Canford Cliffs), Royal Hunt Cup (2008 Mr Aviator), Wokingham Handicap (1990 Knight Of Mercy, 1994 Venture Capitalist), King Edward VII Stakes (1992 Beyton), Queen Mary Stakes (1981 Fly Baby, 1992 Lyric Fantasy, 1993 Risky, 2006 Gilded, 2011 Best Terms), Coronation Stakes (2007 Indian Ink, 2013 Sky Lantern), Golden Jubilee Stakes (1992 Shalford), Queen Anne Stakes (2009 Paco Boy, 2011 Canford Cliffs), Coventry Stakes (1989 Rock City, 2009 Canford Cliffs, 2010 Strong Suit), Number of horses in training (1985-2012): 67; 75; 74; 80; 85; 107; 131; 139; 155; 178; 167; 155; 149; 145; 155; 162; 147; 169; 169; 149; 169; 163; 184; 190; 204; 231; 270  Wins in a Year (1982-2012): 38; 43; 28; 37; 56; 33; 42; 55; 72; 125; 153; 182; 112; 115; 110; 94; 108; 123; 134; 112; 121; 122; 113; 145; 127; 148; 189; 188; 210; 218; 218  Champion Trainer: 1992, 2010, 2011 Wins in 2013: 96

Winning jockey:-Name: Hughes, Richard David. Date of birth: 11/1/73 Background: Son of trainer Dessie, Richard began riding ponies aged five, and won his first pony race three years later. Apprenticed to his father, he rode six winners in his first season, when just 15. He continued to ride over the jumps during the winter, and won the 1997 Irish Champion Hurdle. In 2001 he became retained jockey for Prince Khalid Abdulla, until he left the post in November 2007, allowing him to take up jump racing and skiing once again. First winner: Viking Melody (Roscommon maiden, August 2, 1988) British Classics (2): QIPCO 1000 Guineas (2013 Sky Lantern), Investec Oaks (2013 Talent) French Classic Wins (3): Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (2002 Zenda), Prix de Diane (2003 Nebraska Tornado), Poule d'Essai des Poulains (2004 American Post) Irish Classic Wins (1): Irish 2,000 Guineas (2010 Canford Cliffs) Other Big Race Wins Include: Cheveley Park Stakes (2006 Indian Ink), Falmouth Stakes (2010 Music Show), Haydock Sprint Cup (2004 Tante Rose), Darley July Cup (2003 Oasis Dream), Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (2003 Oasis Dream), Sussex Stakes (2010 Canford Cliffs), Criterium de Saint-Cloud (2006 Passage Of Time), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2008 Youmzain), Prix du Cadran (1998 Invermark), Prix d'Ispahan (2001 Observatory), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (2003 American Post), Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (2003 Nebraska Tornado), Derby Italiano (1996 Bahamian Knight), Gran Premio d'Italia (1995 Posidonas), Premio Vittorio di Capua (1996 Mistle Cat), Lockinge Stakes (2010 Paco Boy, 2011 Canford Cliffs), Champagne Stakes (2011 Trumpet Major, 2012 Toronado), Nassau Stakes (2012 The Fugue) Royal Ascot Wins (27): St James's Palace Stakes (2010 Canford Cliffs), Jersey Stakes (1995 Sergeyev, 1996 Lucayan Prince, 2011 Strong Suit), King's Stand Stakes (1995, Piccolo), Wokingham Stakes (2000 Harmonic Way), Duke Of Edinburgh H'cap (2002, Thundering Surf), Norfolk Stakes (2002, Baron's Pit), Wolferton Rated H'Cap (2002 Ulundi), Buckingham Palace Stakes (2002, Demonstrate), Coventry Stakes (2003 Three Valleys, 2009 Canford Cliffs, 2010 Strong Suit), Balmoral Handicap (2003 Deportivo), Ribblesdale Stakes (2003 Spanish Sun), Albany Stakes (2004 Jewel In The Sand, 2010 Memory), Queen Mary Stakes (2006 Gilded, 2011 Best Terms), Coronation Stakes (2007 Indian Ink, 2013 Sky Lantern), Royal Hunt Cup (2008 Mr Aviator), Chesham Stakes (2008 Free Agent, 2009 Big Audio), Queen Anne Stakes (2009 Paco Boy, 2011 Canford Cliffs), Ascot Stakes (2009 Judgethemoment) Wins in Britain (1994-2012): 19; 68; 62; 33; 55; 95; 102 91; 126; 121; 73; 124; 113; 139; 127; 144; 192; 130; 177* *champion jockey  Wins in 2013: 84